Systems and methods for the analysis of structural components

ABSTRACT

A method includes arranging, via a processor, a design layout of a plurality of visualization objects representing a plurality of structural components of a structural system. The method also includes receiving, via the processor, one or more input parameters for each visualization object. Each input parameter corresponds to a parameter of the represented structural component. The method also includes generating, via the processor, a first model of the design layout based on boundary conditions calculated from the structural components and a rigid baseplate assumption. The method also includes generating, via the processor, a second model of the design layout based on boundary conditions calculated from the structural components and a flexible baseplate assumption. The method also includes comparing the first and second models and generating, via the processor, an updated layout of the visualization components based at least in part on the results of the comparison.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/760,090, filed Nov. 13, 2018, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of construction,and more particularly to the design and analysis of structural systems.

Structural systems are generally designed and built so that they areconnected to the ground via a foundation. Typically, components of thestructural systems are formed of steel while the foundation is made ofconcrete. To properly transfer loads acting on the structural system tothe ground, a component of the structural system (e.g., a beam, acolumn, etc.) is coupled to the foundation. For example, a steelcomponent of the structure may be welded to a baseplate, strengthenedwith stiffeners, and may then be fixed to a base material (e.g.,concrete, masonry, etc.) of the foundation with one or more anchoringcomponents. In particular, the relationships between these componentsmust be designed such that the full connection supports the actingloads. Furthermore, the design assumptions for the full connectionshould follow the various guidelines and regulations established fordesigning and building structural systems.

Accordingly, the present embodiments are related to related to improvedsystems and methods for designing structural systems. Furthermore, thepresent embodiments are generally related to analyzing designedstructural systems to ensure that they meet certain establishedguidelines and regulations without contradictions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimedsubject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intendedto limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather theseembodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of possibleforms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may encompass avariety of forms that may be similar to or different from theembodiments set forth below.

In a first embodiment, a method includes arranging, via a processor, adesign layout of a plurality of visualization objects representing aplurality of structural components of a structural system. The methodalso includes receiving, via the processor, one or more input parametersfor each visualization object. Each input parameter corresponds to aparameter of the represented structural component. The method alsoincludes generating, via the processor, a first model of the designlayout based on boundary conditions calculated from the structuralcomponents and a rigid baseplate assumption. The method also includesgenerating, via the processor, a second model of the design layout basedon boundary conditions calculated from the structural components and aflexible baseplate assumption. The method also includes comparing thefirst and second models and generating, via the processor, an updatedlayout of the visualization components based at least in part on theresults of the comparison.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a design and analysissystem utilized to determine a design layout of a base material, a baseplate, a steel component, and one or more anchoring systems, inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a visualization tool for the design andanalysis system of FIG. 1, where an operator arranges one or morevisualization components into a design layout and the design andanalysis system generates an updated design layout and a design report;ad

FIG. 3 is a method of an embodiment of the design and analysis system ofFIG. 1, where the method includes generating boundary conditions, inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a method of an embodiment of the design and analysis system ofFIG. 1, where the method includes generating an updated design layout ofthe base material, the base plate, the steel component, and the one ormore anchoring systems, in accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a method of an embodiment of the design and analysis system ofFIG. 1, where the method includes comparing a first design layout with asecond design layout to generate an updated design layout and designreport.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed below. In an effort to provide a concise description of theseembodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not bedescribed in the specification. It should be appreciated that in thedevelopment of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering ordesign project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madeto achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance withsystem-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from oneimplementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that sucha development effort might be complex and time consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, andmanufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended tomean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a construction system 100having a design and analysis system 102 that is utilized to visualizeand analyze a design layout of a structural system 104. In certainembodiments, the design and analysis system 102 is utilized to generatean updated design layout of the structural system 104. In theillustrated embodiments, the structural system 104 may be any structureon a real-world construction site that includes structural components106 to support loads and environmental forces. For example, thestructural components 106 may include a base material (e.g., concrete),a base plate, a steel component, and one or more anchoring systems.However, it should be noted that the structural system 104 may includeany real-world construction equipment or components, such as anycomponent that needs to be visualized and analyzed with respect to othercomponents within the structural system 104.

In certain embodiments, the construction system 100 may include aprocessor 108, a display 110, an I/O interface 112, a user interface114, a memory 116 and a non-volatile storage 118. In certainembodiments, the design and analysis system 102 is configured torepresent the structural system 104, such as the structural components106, via visualization objects 120 within a visualization tool 122(e.g., design environment). The visualization objects 120 may beexecuted by processing circuitry to provide simulated functionalitysimilar or identical to the actual structural components 106 within thereal world. Further, in certain embodiments, the visualization objects120 may be executed by processing circuitry to provide a visualizationof the layout, design, and structural relationships between thestructural components 106. The visualization objects 120 may includecode that is stored within the memory 116 and executed by the processor108, and the display 110 may be configured to depict representations ofthe structural components 106.

In certain embodiments, an operator may utilize the visualization tool122 to build or design a representation of the structural system 104 foranalysis. The layout of the visualization tool 122 may be “free-form,”and may allow an operator to easily select, move, position thevisualization objects 120 into an appropriate arrangement. In certainembodiments, the operator may enter, via the user interface 114 and/orthe I/O interface 112, one or more parameters associated with eachstructural component 106. For example, each of the structural components106 may have unique parameters such as different materials, shapes,dimensions, arrangements, quantities, and/or properties (e.g., strength,stiffness, forces, deformation, etc.). Accordingly, the visualizationobjects 120 may be selected from a library and/or customized by theoperator with specific parameters and properties. In this manner, theoperator utilizes the visualization tool 122 to design a virtual designlayout that is a representation of the actual physical layout of thestructural system 104 (or the actual desired layout of the structuralsystem 104).

In certain embodiments, the processor 108 may be configured to generatea model of the designed layout to determine the feasibility of thedesigned layout. For example, in certain embodiments, the designedlayout of the structural components 106 may be tested to determinewhether the designed layout follows the guidelines and regulationsestablished for designing and building structural systems. Accordingly,the processor 108 may be configured to generate a model by executing aflexible, non-linear calculation based on a Component Based FiniteElement Model (CBFEM). In particular, the processor 108 may beconfigured to generate the model based in part on the parametersselected for each structural component 106, the layout and arrangementof the structural components 106, and various pre-determined boundaryconditions. Based on the results of the model, the designed layout maybe updated and/or corrected. The updated design layout may be capturedin a design report that includes the updated design layout and resultsfrom the CBFEM model. In certain embodiments, the updated design layoutmay be depicted on the display 110 via the visualization tool 122.

In certain embodiments, the design file 123 may be transmitted via wiredor wireless communications and various network interfaces 124 to acloud-based computing device 128. In certain embodiments, thecloud-based computing device 128 may be a service provider providingcloud analytics, cloud-based collaboration and workflow systems,distributed computing systems, expert systems and/or knowledge-basedsystems. In certain embodiments, the cloud-based computing device 128may be a data repository that is coupled to an internal or externalglobal database 130. In certain embodiments, the cloud-based computingdevice 128 includes a web/application server 132 that includes thedesign and analysis system 102. In certain embodiments, the design file123 may be evaluated or re-evaluated through the cloud-based computingdevice 128 and tested for accuracy and feasibility. In certainembodiments, the design file 123 may be shared to other users forincreased work-flow productivity and efficiency.

FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a visualization tool 122 for the design andanalysis system 102 of FIG. 1, where an operator arranges one or morevisualization objects 120 into a design layout 150. Further, the designand analysis system 102 generates an updated design layout 162 and/orthe design file 123.

In certain embodiments, the operator may utilize the visualization tool122 (e.g., design environment) on the display 110 to create a designedlayout 150. In particular, the designed layout may be a representationof the actual real-world structural components 106, such as the physicalstructural components associated with structural systems 194 on aconstruction site. The visualization tool 122 may allow the operator toselect visualization objects 120 that are representative of thestructural components 106 in both function and arrangement. For example,the structural components 106 may include a base material (e.g.,concrete), a base plate, a steel component, and one or more anchoringsystems. In certain embodiments, the operator may select visualizationobjects 120 that are representative of a base material object 152, abase plate object 154, a steel component object 156, and one or moreanchoring systems objects 158. The operator may arrange thevisualization objects 120 in any configuration, and may be able tocustomize the parameters of each object 120 to more accurately reflectthe arrangement and function of the structural component 106. Forexample, each of the structural components 106 may have uniqueparameters such as different materials, shapes, dimensions (length,circumference, width, thickness, height, etc.), arrangements,quantities, and/or properties (e.g., strength, stiffness, forces,deformation, etc.). Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the operatormay customize the visualization objects 120 by either selecting and/orentering various parameters into the visualization tool 122 by using thecustomization features 160. For example, the operator may select amaterial for the base material object 152 (e.g., concrete, masonry,etc.), select parameters for the base plate object 154 (e.g.,dimensions, material, strength, flexibility, stiffness, etc.), selectparameters for the steel component object 156 (e.g., material, position,number and/or position of stiffeners, arrangement or shape, dimensions,thickness, etc.), and select parameters for the one or more anchoringsystems objects 158 (e.g., type, number and arrangement, dimensions,stiffness, location, weld type, weld location, weld thickness, etc.).Furthermore, the operator may customize the overall connection of thestructural components 106 by selecting various environmental forces,loads, stresses and strains that may be imposed on the structuralcomponents 106 in the real-world. In certain embodiments, thevisualization objects 120 may be depicted in 2-D or 3-D, with variousforces imparted on the structural components 106 represented via shadesof colors. In certain embodiments, the operator can choose from one ormore design templates and/or may customize a template layout. In certainembodiments, specific visualization objects 120 may be preloaded withinthe design and analysis system with preset parameters.

In certain embodiments, after designing and/or customizing the designlayout 150, the operator may run various models on the designed layoutand selected parameters. For example, the operator may generate a model162 by executing a flexible, non-linear calculation based on a ComponentBased Finite Element Model (CBFEM). In particular, the processor 108 maybe configured to generate the model based in part on the parametersselected for each structural component 106, the layout and arrangementof the structural components 106, and various pre-determined boundaryconditions. Based on the results of the model, the designed layout maybe updated and/or corrected. Specifically, the operator may generate thedesign report 164, store and edit a design file, import or export data,etc. In certain embodiments, access to the design and analysis system102 may be determined by a user name and/or password.

FIG. 3 is a method 170 of an embodiment of the design and analysissystem 102 of FIG. 1, where the method 170 includes generating boundaryconditions, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Whilethe illustrated embodiment describes generating boundary conditionsbased on anchoring systems that may be used within the constructionsystem 100, it should be noted that the same method may be utilized tocalculate boundary conditions for any type of structural component 106that are actually used within construction sites and within structuralsystems 104.

In certain embodiments, the method 170 includes gathering anchorstiffness data from various anchoring systems (e.g., structuralcomponents 106) that may be utilized within the construction system 100(block 172). Further, the method 170 includes determining one or morereal anchor stiffness values based on the collected data (block 174). Incertain embodiments, the real anchor stiffness values may be determinedfrom anchor stiffness data that is gathered from a plurality of testsconducted for each type of specific anchoring system and for eachspecific setting condition (e.g., embedment depth, base material, etc.).For example, a number of different tests with a variety of testvariables (e.g., embedment depth, environmental forces, etc.) may beconducted for each specific type of anchoring system. With theinformation that is gathered, one anchor stiffness value (a real anchorstiffness value) may be determined for a specific type of anchoringsystem.

In certain embodiments, based on the calculated real anchor stiffnessvalues, the method 170 includes generating boundary conditions (block176). In certain embodiments, the design and analysis system 102 mayutilize the generated boundary conditions to determine load behavior ofthe full connection (e.g., designed layout with the base material, thebase plate, the steel component, and the one or more anchoring systems).In addition, as further described with respect to FIG. 4, the boundaryconditions may be utilized to generate models that simulate loadbehavior in a real-world environment. In this manner, the design andanalysis system 102 may be configured to determine whether a designedlayout (e.g., full connection) meets the load behavior regulations andguidelines established in the industry.

FIG. 4 is a method 180 of an embodiment of the design and analysissystem 102 of FIG. 1, where the method 180 includes generating a designreport 164 of an updated design layout 162. In certain embodiments, themethod 180 includes representing a plurality of visualization objects120 within a designed layout 150 on the display 110 (block 182). Inparticular, the plurality of visualization objects 120 may correspond toa plurality of structural components 106. For example, eachvisualization object 120 arranged within the designed layout 150 may berepresentative of a real-world structural component 106 such as, forexample, a concrete base material, a baseplate, a steel structuralcomponent, one or more anchoring system, etc. In certain embodiments,the anchoring system object 158 chosen for the design layout 150 mayhave a real anchor stiffness value calculated from one or testsperformed specifically for that anchoring system.

Further, in certain embodiments, the method 180 includes an operatorinputting one or more parameters for each visualization object 120(block 184). In certain embodiments, the method 180 includes the designand analysis system 102 executing instructions to generate a model bycalculating a flexible, non-linear calculation based on a ComponentBased Finite Element Model (CBFEM). In particular, the model may begenerated based in part on the boundary conditions for the structuralcomponents 106, the designed layout 150, and the selected and/orcustomized parameters for each visualization object 120 (block 186). Incertain embodiments, the method includes generating and displaying onthe display 110 an updated layout 162 of the visualization components120 based in part on the generated model (block 188). Further, incertain embodiments, the method 180 includes generating a design report164 based on the updated layout 162 (block 190). In certain embodiments,the design report 164 may be transmitted to other computing devices asthe design file 123. In particular, the design report 164 may beconfigured to provide instructions and/or guidance on the designedlayout 150 and the real-world situation.

FIG. 5 is a method 200 of an embodiment of the design and analysissystem 102 of FIG. 1, where the method 200 includes comparing a firstmodel with a second model to generate the updated design layout 162 andthe design report 164. In certain embodiments, the design and analysissystem 102 may be configured to run one or more different types ofmodels to determine an ideal updated design layout 162.

For example, the method 200 includes generating a first model based on afirst non-linear FEM calculation utilizing the assumption that the baseplate is rigid (e.g., rigid baseplate assumption) (block 202). Further,the method 200 includes generating a second model based on a secondnon-linear FEM calculation utilizing the assumption that the base plateis flexible (e.g., flexible baseplate assumption) (block 204). In otherwords, the design and analysis system 102 may be configured to generatetwo models based on two independent non-linear FEM calculations

-   -   a first utilizing a rigid baseplate assumption and a second        utilizing a flexible base plate assumption. The method 200        includes comparing the two models (block 206) and determining        which model solution (and/or which combination of the models) is        closer to the theoretical rigid baseplate assumption (block        208). Based on the comparison, the design and analysis system        202 may be configured to give guidance on the difference between        the theoretical rigid baseplate assumption and the real-world        situation. The method 200 includes generating and displaying the        updated layout of the visualization components 120 based in part        on the comparison between the two models (block 210). The method        200 includes generating a design report 164 based on the updated        layout 162. In certain embodiments, the design report 164 may be        transmitted to other computing devices as the design file 123.        In particular, the design report 164 may be configured to        provide instructions and/or guidance on the designed layout 150        and the real-world situation.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal language of the claims.

1. A method, comprising: arranging, via a processor, a design layout ofa plurality of visualization objects representing a plurality ofstructural components of a structural system; receiving, via theprocessor, one or more input parameters for each visualization object,wherein each input parameter corresponds to a parameter of therepresented structural component; generating, via the processor, a firstmodel of the design layout based on boundary conditions calculated fromthe structural components and a rigid baseplate assumption; generating,via the processor, a second model of the design layout based on boundaryconditions calculated from the structural components and a flexiblebaseplate assumption; comparing the first and second models; andgenerating, via the processor, an updated layout of the visualizationcomponents based at least in part on the results of the comparison. 2.The method of claim 1, comprising generating, via the processor, adesign report of the updated layout, wherein the design report comprisesinstructions on arranging the structural components of the structuralsystem.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the model of the design layoutis generated based at least in part on the input parameters for eachvisualization object.
 4. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying,via the processor, the updated layout of the visualization components ona display coupled to the processor.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinthe structural components comprise a base material, a baseplate, ananchoring system, and a steel component.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein the base material is concrete.
 7. The method of claim 5, whereinthe visualization objects comprise a base material object, a baseplateobject, an anchoring system object, and a steel component object.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the structural components comprise anchoringsystems, and wherein the boundary conditions are calculated from theanchoring systems.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein calculatingboundary conditions from anchoring systems comprise: gathering stiffnessdata from a plurality of anchoring systems; determining an anchorstiffness value based on the stiffness data; and generating a boundarycondition based in part on the anchor stiffness value.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more input parameters comprise a material, ashape, a dimension, a number or an arrangement, and/or a property of thestructural component.